Shloka 20
Pṛthu Mahārāja’s Homecoming, Sacrificial Assembly, and Instruction on Devotional Kingship
चारु चित्रपदं श्लक्ष्णं मृष्टं गूढमविक्लवम् । सर्वेषामुपकारार्थं तदा अनुवदन्निव ॥ २० ॥
cāru citra-padaṁ ślakṣṇaṁ mṛṣṭaṁ gūḍham aviklavam sarveṣām upakārārthaṁ tadā anuvadann iva
His speech was charming—rich in poetic turns, clear in meaning, and delightful to hear—yet grave and unwavering. He spoke for the welfare of all present, as though voicing his own realized vision of the Absolute Truth.
Mahārāja Pṛthu was beautiful in his external bodily features, and his speech was also very glorious in all respects. His words, which were nicely composed in highly metaphorical ornamental language, were pleasing to hear and were not only mellow but also very clearly understandable and without doubt or ambiguity.
FAQs
The verse praises speech that is charming, well-expressed, gentle, refined, profound, and steady—delivered for the welfare of all.
Because he is presented as an ideal ruler whose words are not self-serving but meant to uplift and benefit all citizens through dharmic instruction.
By speaking truthfully and calmly, choosing refined and helpful words, and aiming for others’ welfare rather than argument or personal victory.